By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara
On Wednesday, August 28, 2024, the Kailahun District Council (KLDC) Chairman, Sahr Ahmed Kaikonjor Lamin, made an impassioned appeal to the U.S. Government through the U.S. Embassy in Freetown, seeking assistance for the development of his district. This plea was made during a significant engagement with the U.S. Ambassador to Sierra Leone, His Excellency Bryan David Hunt, who paid a visit to the KLDC Chairman’s office.
Chairman Lamin warmly welcomed the U.S. Ambassador and his team, expressing deep appreciation for the longstanding support the U.S. Government has provided to Sierra Leone. He highlighted the U.S. as a steadfast ally, particularly through the Embassy in Freetown. Emphasizing his commitment to the well-being of his people, Chairman Lamin underscored the urgent need for aid in critical sectors such as health and education.
“Your Excellency, many schools in our district are located far from the communities they serve. These communities have taken it upon themselves to establish their own schools, but most of these structures are in a deplorable state,” Chairman Lamin explained. He acknowledged the commendable efforts of the central government in approving schools and training teachers but pointed out that both the government and the council face significant financial constraints. “We want to do better but lack the financial wherewithal, and that is why we are turning to friends like the U.S. Government to come to the aid of our children and help develop our human capital,” he appealed.
Chairman Lamin also drew attention to the dire conditions of healthcare facilities in the district, which suffer from a lack of essential equipment, including electricity. He stressed that providing electricity, laboratory equipment, healthcare worker training, and medicines would greatly improve the quality of life and contribute to human capital development in the district.
In response to a query from Ambassador Hunt regarding the reintroduction of the international market in Koindu, Chairman Lamin revealed that the KLDC is working closely with the central government to revive the market. He noted that a drone survey has been conducted, and the road network leading to the market area is under construction. “The reintroduction of the international market will provide vital livelihood support to our people, and we are committed to bringing it back to life,” he assured.
Ambassador Bryan David Hunt, in his remarks, acknowledged the importance of extending U.S. collaboration beyond Freetown to include district and city leaders. He shared that the U.S. has a long-term vision of expanding the national energy network to more districts through the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). Although this is a long-term plan due to the time required to build the necessary infrastructure, the Ambassador revealed that in the interim, solar grids would be established in schools and health centers across the district. He promised that his team would stay in touch with Chairman Lamin to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Kailahun District’s citizens.
Ambassador Hunt further disclosed that the U.S. Government has long-term health investment plans for Kailahun District, including partnerships with community health workers and agricultural staff to prevent animal diseases from spreading to humans. Additionally, he mentioned a program aimed at working with traditional healers to enhance their skills, enabling them to assist general healthcare workers in disease detection and remedy identification.
The visit by the U.S. Ambassador has sparked renewed hope for the people of Kailahun District, as the U.S. Government’s commitment to supporting the region could lead to significant advancements in healthcare, education, and overall human development.
